The Russian coloratura is making her Australian debut at Hobart Baroque, but how did she get here from there?

This will be your Australian debut. What’s brought you to Hobart’s Baroque Festival?

Honestly, my first thought was that I could visit the zoo in and see koalas and especially wombats! I am in love with these creatures and really cannot wait. But seriously, I’m very excited. Australia is so far from Russia and Europe where I spend most of my time and, since I love to travel, I immediately accepted. I think the Hobart Baroque Festival has so much potential and I thank Leo Schofield and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra for the kind invitation. I’m also really looking forward to singing with my pianist Mikhail Antonenko in Melbourne – I hear the Recital Centre acoustics are amazing.

What music will you be performing?

We’re performing a similar program to my Alleluia CD showing the evolution from the high Baroque (represented by Vivaldi and Handel) to the young Mozart. Instead of the Porpora on the CD, you get to hear Haydn’s Symphony La Passione, which is a nice link between the Baroque and Classical styles.

Elena Obraztsova has been important for your...